Dean of University Libraries

The University of Mississippi seeking an accomplished and creative leader invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of University Libraries. The University libraries include the main library, known as the John Davis Williams Library, and the Science library.

The University Libraries provide support for research and teaching with a total budget of over $8 million. With the acquisition of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants collection, the Library has become the national library of the accounting profession. In addition, the Department of Archives and Special Collections houses over 900 archival collections related to Mississippi’s literary and cultural history, including those in General Manuscripts, the Blues Archive, the Modern Political Archive, and the Southern Media Archive. The Library is a member of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), LYRASIS, Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), and is a regional depository for U.S. Government documents.

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi is the flagship university for the state of Mississippi. A world ­class public research university, the institution has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and innovative research. With more than 21,500 students, it is the state’s largest university with 15 academic divisions. It has been ranked as one of America’s best college buys by Forbes and one of the best places to work by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The university’s Honors College has been named one of America’s finest.

The successful candidate will communicate a vision for leveraging emerging technologies, build cooperative campus partnerships that enhance programming opportunities, and promote and develop collections. Qualifications include:

• MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA­-accredited program;
• A substantial record of professional accomplishment through research, publication, service, and leadership in areas that affect and inform libraries;
• Successful administrative experience in an academic research library;
• Knowledge of current trends in technology and higher education;
• Ability to balance technology and collection needs;
• Demonstrated experience and success in leadership, communication, managing personnel, budgets, collections, services and technologies;
• Ability and eagerness to obtain appropriate resources for the development of the libraries;
• A demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion;
• A highly collegial and open management style and ability to develop and sustain collaborative relationships;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in fundraising; and
• An ability to communicate the value of the library to the larger campus community.

The Dean reports directly to the Provost, provides a vision for strategic planning, develops excellent staff, and energetically promotes and finds support for the mission of the Libraries.

Salary is commensurate on experience, qualifications, and departmental budget.

Applications must be completed online at https://jobs.olemiss.edu. To ensure consideration, applicant must submit a letter of application, resume, and names of five current references.

The University of Mississippi is an EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability/Title VI/Title IX/504/ADA/ADEA employer.

A review of applications will begin December 1 and continue until the position is filled or an adequate applicant pool is established.